Alissa chuckled, "Well you're a good student, it took me a lot longer to learn all of that,"

"Who taught you to play?" asked Randy.

"Ellen's brother, Errol," said Alissa, "He's very nice,"

"Errol... Yes, she told me she had a brother here, but I've yet to meet him," Randy noted. "If he is anything like Ellen, I am sure he's plenty likable."

"He's more quiet and very religious," said Alissa, "But he's very kind, he always gives me candy and tells me stories,"

Randy nodded. "What sort of stories?"

"Folk tales about Selkies and other creatures," said Alissa, "They're really good,"

"I don't believe I've heard of those," said Randy; "you will have to tell me some of these stories sometime."

"You can come with me next time I see him!" said Alissa.

"Alright," Randy agreed; "I will, then. What else do you like to do?"

"I like to help Ellen in the kitchen, she's good to talk to," said Alissa.

"So she is," murmured Randy with a smile. "I find I rather like her, myself."

"She likes big strong men, I'm sure you'll get along," said Alissa with a smirk.

"Ha!" Randy grinned. "Nothing gets past you, does it?"

"I'm smarter than people think," she said with a smile.

"I like that," said Randy. "Use it to your advantage."

Alissa giggled, "I will, don't worry about me," she gave a short twirl, "I'm practically all grown up!"

"So you are, a lovely young lady. ...Why, you'll be just as big as me in no time at all," Randy added teasingly.

Alissa laughed, "I don't know if I want to be that big! But I know I'll be beautiful!" she said tossing her thick curls teasingly.

"I don't doubt that at all," said Randy.

"We should probably go and see to our dinner now, it's nearing six o'clock," said Alissa pulling him up from the piano.

"Is it already? I must've been having more fun than I thought," said Randy. "It has been a while since I've seen such a nice day."

"Well we can do this again tomorrow," said Alissa, "I'm sure Ellen will make us a nice big supper, I can eat a lot,"

"Can you now?" Randy grinned. "I've always thought that to be a rather attractive quality. I can eat a good bit, myself. Ellen seems pleased with that."

"Ellen likes to cook, the more you eat the more she can make food and experiment with recipes, so it works out well," said Alissa.

"It couldn't be more perfect," sighed Randy.

"Let's go then!" Alissa lead him to the kitchen where a large dinner was already waiting for them.

Randy brightened at the sight of it. It was definitely a pleasant change from his previous assignment, during which he'd needed to make frequent trips to the hidden Schickelgruber settlement to stock up on food.

They ate dinner and chatted, Ellen's brother Errol told Randy all about the faerie folk and finally as the evening turned into night Alissa leaned tiredly onto Randy's arm and fell asleep.

Randy looked over at her and smiled, then lifted her carefully to tuck her into bed.

The next day proved to be just as pleasant as the last. Then the following day Lady Summerville brought Winston Stickbottom to the manor.

Randy knew he wasn't going to like this "Lord Stickbottom", but attempted to maintain his usual decorum without bias as was expected of him. Yet the moment he laid eyes on Winston, he knew it was going to be difficult...

"Eeeeooh, are you the new servant?" Winston drawled, pressing a scented lace handkerchief over his nose and mouth.

"I am. Shall I take your coat?" Randy tried not to crack a smile.

Winston nodded, shed his coat and flung it at Randy, making sure not to come into direct contact with the other man.

Randy caught the coat and went to hang it, barely suppressing a snort of laughter as the odd mix of absurdity and sheer revulsion threatened physical manifestation. He'd never seen the like! Or heard, for that matter...

Alissa peered at Randy from around a corner, "Oh no....I recognize those frills....Winston," she grimaced.

"Yes." Randy glanced back at Winston. "May I speak with you privately for a moment?" he asked, nodding for Alissa to come outside with him.

Alissa nodded and followed him eagerly, "What is it?" she asked once they were out of sight,"

Randy glanced over his shoulder to be sure that they were alone, then pointed in Winston's general direction and burst out laughing.